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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance education and care for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Company: Great Oaks School, part of the Specialist Schools Trust.
- Benefits: Leadership Scale L17-L22, professional development, and potential headship opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership and a passion for SEMH education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to meaningful school improvement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
The postholder will provide strategic leadership in line with the Trust's vision to ensure the highest quality of education and care for all pupils whose primary or secondary need is identified as social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). This is a unique leadership role, created to support an existing primary specialist SEMH school while it is subject to an academy order.
The post has been developed to provide stability, continuity, and high-quality leadership during this period, working closely with the CEO, Trust leaders, the Local Authority, and the current school leadership team to maintain strong provision and positive outcomes for pupils. The role represents a strategic investment by the Trust to strengthen and further develop specialist SEMH provision for primary-aged learners.
The postholder will contribute to ongoing school improvement, support effective systems and practice, and help ensure readiness for potential academisation. Should the Trust not be successful in sponsoring the school, the postholder will remain part of the SST Leadership Team and will lead on the development of SEMH provision across the Trust, providing specialist expertise and strategic guidance to support SEMH practice both within the Trust and more widely across the city.
Subject to the completion of the academy order and the successful establishment of the school within the Trust, the postholder will have the opportunity to express an interest in the substantive Headteacher position. Should this be secured, the role and remuneration will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the responsibilities of the post.
This role offers an excellent development opportunity for experienced senior leaders who are aspiring to headship. Candidates with a strong interest in taking the next step towards a substantive Headteacher role are strongly encouraged to apply, as the position provides valuable strategic leadership experience within a specialist SEMH setting, alongside the Trust Leadership Team.
Closing date 6th March 2026 at 12pm. Interviews will be 17th March 2026. Scale: Leadership Scale: L17-L22. Great Oaks is part of the Specialist Schools Trust which also includes Rosewood Free School.
Specialist Trust Lead for SEMH - Great Oaks School employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Trust Lead for SEMH - Great Oaks School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for SEMH! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and insights on how to improve SEMH provision. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's vision and values. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their goals. We want to see that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the Trust culture!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Trust Lead for SEMH - Great Oaks School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEMH: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs shine through. We want to see how your values align with our Trust's vision and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Use concrete examples from your past roles to demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in SEMH settings. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous positions, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique aspects of this role. Highlight how your strategic leadership can support the ongoing improvement and stability of the school during this transition period.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really grasp the Trust's vision and values. This role is all about providing strategic leadership in SEMH, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to maintaining high-quality education and care for pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
This position requires strong leadership skills, so prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or initiatives. Think about specific challenges you've faced in SEMH settings and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to support the current school leadership team effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since the role involves contributing to ongoing school improvement and readiness for potential academisation, be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking. Bring ideas on how to strengthen SEMH provision and improve outcomes for pupils, showing that you can think ahead and plan for the future.
✨Express Your Aspirations
If you're keen on moving towards a substantive Headteacher role, don’t shy away from expressing this during the interview. Share your career aspirations and how this position fits into your professional development. It shows ambition and a commitment to the Trust's long-term goals.